Managerial Commmunications Series, 1st Edition

#1: Leading Groups and TeamsBonnie Yarbrough, University of North Carolina, Greensboro

This book addresses one of the most important functions a manager performs: putting together effective teams and creating the conditions for their success. Prof. Yarbrough describes the major theories of group formation and group functioning, and explains how to create, lead, and manage teams. A unique team communication model describes strengths and weaknesses in group and team organization, as well as the resources and strategies needed to achieve group success.

#2: E-Technology and the Fourth EconomyCarolyn A. Boulger, University of Notre Dame

With the help of renown Swedish communication consultant Hans Johnsson, Prof. Boulger looks at the emergence of a fundamental revolution in how people work, live, and earn a living. She examines how new technologies have influenced and transformed everything from commercial relationships to distance learning and more. The legal foundations for communication-related issues such as employee and client privacy, e-mail usage, and online content restrictions are included, as well.

#3: Communication in a Virtual OrganizationSandra D. Collins, University of Notre Dame

The conceptual framework that Prof. Collins brings to this discussion will help readers understand how time and distance compression have altered work habits and collaboration. With the help of corporate communication executives and consultants she documents exciting, current examples of global companies and local groups that illustrate the ways in which our work and lives have permanently changed.

For the iconically challenged, Professors Robert Sedlack and Barbara Shwom, along with management consultant Karl Keller, examine the world of graphics and visual imagery for business managers. If you’ve ever wondered how to transform words and numbers into pictures, they can help. And for all of us who’ve ever tried to explain complex, intricate issues without success, either aloud or on paper, the message is simple: if you can’t say it in a clear, compelling way, perhaps you can show them.

Professor Collins possesses an approach that involves far more than dispute resolution or figuring out how limited resources can be distributed equitably among people who think they all deserve more. She shows us how to manage our own emotions, as well as those of others. Creative conflict, organizational harmony and synchronicity in the workplace are issues too many of us have avoided because we simply don’t understand them or don’t know what to say.

#6: Intercultural Communication for BusinessElizabeth A. Tuleja, University of Pennsylvania

Prof. Tuleja looks both broadly and specifically at issues and opportunities that have become increasingly important as the business world shrinks and grows more interdependent. As time zones blur and fewer restrictions are imposed on the global movement of capital, raw materials, finished goods, and human labor, people will cling fiercely to the ways in which they were enculturated as youngsters. Culture will become a defining characteristic, not only of peoples and nations, but of organizations and industries.

#7: Listening and RespondingSandra D. Collins, University of Notre Dame

Prof. Collins draws on the latest findings in behavioral psychology and demonstrates why listening may be among the most valuable yet underdeveloped skills we possess. Becoming an active listener, tuning in to the emotional as well as cognitive content of what we hear, and learning to provide timely, targeted, and meaningful responses may be among the most important things we can do for our customers, employees, colleagues, shareholders, and others we deal with in the workplace each day.

#8: Writing and Presenting a Business PlanCarolyn A. Boulger, University of Notre Dame

In a step-by-step approach, Prof. Boulger explores the process of communication and entrepreneurship, taking us from good ideas (“remember, an idea is not a business, it’s just an idea”) through feasibility analysis, to a fully developed business plan. She explains how to identify and influence sources of funding for a new venture, how to package your ideas for the marketplace, and how to present your plan to a venture capitalist. Detailed formats and complete business plans are included.